HVAC-R Superintendent

Overview

Awarded World’s Best Small Ship Cruise line, Windstar Cruises is known for intimate yacht style experience and unique voyages to the world’s best small ports and hidden harbors. Its three sailing yachts and four all-suite yachts carry just 148 to 342 guests and cruise around the world. Our mission is to imagine and deliver personalized and immersive experiences 180 degrees from ordinary.

We enrich people’s perspective through inspired travel. Our Mission:
Enriching Lives Through Travel Our Values:
Guest Obsessed, Open and Inviting, Fun-Loving and Focused, Light-Hearted and Genuine, Casual Yet Polished, Safe and Responsible.

Job Summary:

The HVAC-R Superintendent provides expert technical guidance for all heating, ventilation, and air‑conditioning systems across the fleet. This role supports Marine Technical Operations and onboard engineering teams by overseeing performance, maintenance, compliance, and lifecycle management of HVAC equipment. The HVAC-R Superintendent leads major repairs and modernization projects, ensures regulatory adherence, and drives reliability, efficiency, and system uptime. This position is based out of our corporate office in Miami, FL.

• Technical Leadership & Support
  - Serve as the subject‑matter expert for HVAC systems, providing advanced technical support to Technical Operations and shipboard teams.
• Oversee major HVAC repairs, upgrades, and capital projects, including dry‑dock and revitalization activities, in cooperation with Technical Superintendents and Director Energy Efficiency.
• Manage lifecycle strategies, obsolescence planning, and system reliability improvements.
• Investigate technical issues, define corrective actions, and ensure fleetwide communication of lessons learned.
• Promote and support Windstar Energy Efficiency Program and culture.
• Operational Management
  - Deliver support to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operation of HVAC and refrigeration systems.
• Maintain close communication with Technical Operations, and senior onboard leadership.
• Coordinate HVAC projects and maintenance plans with Fleet Superintendents and onboard engineering teams.
• Support and guide vessel personnel in the operation, troubleshooting, and optimization of HVAC systems.
• Promote and enhance energy efficiency culture and work closely with the Director Energy Efficiency.
• Compliance & Safety
  - Work with classification societies and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with applicable IMO, SOLAS, MARPOL, and class requirements.
• Conduct ship visits, inspections, and risk assessments; manage failure investigations and implement preventive and corrective measures.
• Monitor conditions of class, audit findings, and non‑conformities to ensure timely closure.
• Project & Vendor Management
  - Manage HVAC system upgrades, modernization programs, and vendor service support.
• Review OEM technical bulletins and oversee fleetwide implementation of required actions.
• Lead HVAC‑related scopes during dry docks, refurbishments, and special projects.
• Prepare technical reports, performance analyses, and recommendations for efficiency improvements.
• Support newbuild projects with system specifications, testing activities, and warranty follow‑up.
• Financial Responsibilities
  - Manage HVAC budgets, spare‑parts planning, and long‑term service agreements.

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Marine Engineering, or related discipline, or equivalent maritime qualifications.
• 5–10 years of experience with HVAC, refrigeration, or mechanical environmental systems in maritime, industrial, or commercial settings.
• Strong understanding of large‑scale chillers, air‑handling units, control systems, and energy‑efficient HVAC technologies.
• Experience with fleet technical management, dry‑docking, and maintenance planning.
• Strong analytical and communication skills and ability to support diverse, multicultural teams.
• Preferred Qualifications
  - Certification in HVAC or refrigeration systems.
• Familiarity with maritime environmental and efficient technologies.
• Proficiency with condition‑monitoring and fleet‑management software.
• Work Environment
  - Office‑based role with travel to vessels, shipyards, and vendors as…